Unit 18 The Reproductive System PDF

Differentiate between gametogenesis in the male and in the female and explain the significance of this difference. Overview of the Reproductive System Primary function: production of haploid gametes (egg and sperm) via meiosis – also called (gametogenesis). o Male gametogene...

Differentiate between gametogenesis in the male and in the female and explain the significance of this difference. Overview of the Reproductive System Primary function: production of haploid gametes (egg and sperm) via meiosis – also called (gametogenesis). o Male gametogenesis: testes o Female gametogenesis: ovaries Gametes are haploid (23 chromosomes), while germ cells are diploid (46 chromosomes). Male Reproductive System Organs and Structures: Testes: Produce sperm and testosterone. Ducts: Transport and mature sperm (e.g., epididymis, vas deferens). Accessory Glands: o Seminal vesicles: Produce alkaline, fructose-rich fluid for ATP production and motility. o Prostate gland: Secretes fluid aiding sperm movement. o Bulbourethral glands: Release alkaline fluid and mucus for lubrication. Penis: Passage for semen and urine Scrotum: holds the testes Scrotal cavity: Divided by septum to form two sacs – one for each testis Testes Bilobed – having 2 lobes Sit in scrotum Divided into lobules by septum o Seminiferous tubules in each lobule contain spermatogenic cells that produce sperm Leydig cells: secrete testosterone Sertoli cells: support spermatogenesis Accessory Glands The accessory glands produce semen, a fluid that assists in the movement of sperm. Gland Function Seminal Secrete a solution that is alkaline: helps neutralize and protect vesicles sperm from the acidic male urethra contains fructose used in ATP production by sperm contains prostaglandins: contribute to sperm mobility and contract smooth muscle in penis and female reproductive tract Prostate Prostatic fluid mixes with sperm, causing sperm to move: gland o citric acid involved in ATP production o Prostate specific antigens (PSA) help sperm enter the cervix Bulboure Located inferior to the prostate on either side of the urethra thral Erect penis stimulates release of an alkaline substance into the glands urethra to neutralize it prior to ejaculation and mucus to lubricate the end of the penis for intercourse Female Reproductive System Organs and Functions Ovaries: Produce oocytes, estrogen, and progesterone. Uterine (Fallopian) Tubes: Transport oocytes; site of fertilization. o Regions: Infundibulum (fimbriae), ampulla (fertilization site), and isthmus. Uterus: Supports embryo implantation and fetal development. o Layers: Perimetrium (outer), myometrium (muscular), and endometrium (embryo attachment, placenta formation). Vagina: Facilitates childbirth and intercourse. Mammary glands: Produce and secrete milk. Ovaries The ovaries are the female gonads, responsible for producing oocytes and hormones. Oogenesis: The process of producing oocytes, which occurs in the ovaries.  Component Function Medulla Inner layer of the ovary Cortex Outer layer of the ovary, contains ovarian follicles Ovarian follicles Contain one ovum, mature follicle ruptures = ovulation Fallopian Tubes The fallopian tubes transport the oocyte to the uterus and are the site of fertilization Smooth muscle and cilia – transport oocyte Lipids and glycogen – microvilli 3 segments: Segment Function Infundibulum Proximal to ovary, fimbriae movement brings oocyte into tube Ampulla Most likely site of fertilization Isthmus Connects to uterus, is distal to ovary Uterus The uterus is the site of implantation of the fertilized ovum, fetal development, and labor. Layer Function Perimetrium External serosa, surrounds fundus and body of uterus Myometrium Contractions during labor in pregnancy Endometrium Attachment for embryo and forms the placenta